Central catheter induced pleural effusion: a case report

Pleural effusion is a rare complication of central catheter insertion. This may occur due to mispositioning of the catheter. We present a 74 year-old severely ill Iranian patient who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy because of esophageal carcinoma. After anesthesia induction, a catheter was inserted in right jugular vein. Postoperative radiography revealed right-sided pleural effusion that was managed with a chest tube. During the following days, the patient secreted two liter of a yellow fluid. Fluid analysis failed to show any remarkable results. His secretion was discontinued after the catheter was removed